Belgian Breeds of Horse

Belgian Ardennes

A heavily built draught ancient horse, developed in the mountainous region
on the French Belgian borders. It was once thought to be the same breed as
the French Ardennais, but though there are great similarities, they have
gone their own separate ways and the Belgian Ardennes is registered with the
Royal Belgian Heavy Draught Society as a separate breed. Brabant or Belgian
Heavy Draught blood was introduced to the breed in the last century.

The Belgian Ardennes stands at about 15.3h.h and is usually bay, roan or
chestnut in colour. A compact and heavily built horse well suited to hill
work ; it has an attractive head for a heavy horse with a wide brow,
wide-set, kind eyes and expressive ears; the neck is strong and thick with a
heavy crest; the shoulders are powerful, well muscled and sloping; the chest
is deep, muscular and broad; the back is short and strong; the body is wide
and deep; the quarters are massive and extremely powerful; the limbs are
thick, strong and short with plenty of feather. It has an exceptionally
gentle temperament and is a willing workhorse.